CREDIT: pcgs.com via Picryl.com
Dear Easter People,
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!
There’s a saying, “Every coin has two sides.” In the stories of the Rich Ruler and Zacchaeus the wealthy Tax Collector, we see two sides of the coin of wealth and entering the kingdom of God. We learn how to use the wealth God has given us as we live in His kingdom.
Along His way to Jerusalem, Jesus meets two rich men.
First – the Rich Ruler – blessed with power, wealth, and possessions. To him, it’s proof he’s one of God’s people. Seeking validation, he asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18) Jesus tells him to follow God’s commandments (Luke 18:20). He’s relieved, “I’ve done all this!” Then Jesus says, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22) The Ruler left sad because he didn’t trust God enough to let loose the security blanket of his wealth. Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:25)
The coin’s flip side is the wealthy Zacchaeus. Jesus calls Zacchaeus and invites Himself to dinner. Zacchaeus, honored by Jesus, immediately repents of his wickedness saying, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” (Luke 19:8) Jesus let’s everyone know Zacchaeus, responding to God’s love by generously giving away a portion of his fortune, has passed through the needle’s eye into God’s kingdom.
As we think about the wealth God has given us, are we more like the Rich Ruler – holding tight to what we have for fear we won’t have enough? Or Zacchaeus – recognizing all God has done for us and trusting He’ll continue to do more and then joyfully giving in proportion to how He’s already blessed us? I pray we can all be more like Zacchaeus.
HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!
Pastor Jim